Monthly Archives: December 2013

Post navigation

Prayer for the day: The unfamiliar path is ahead –and I need courage to continue though it may be longer, steeper, and overgrown. You know how I fear being lost even though you have promised to leave all the 99 sheep to find the lost one. Soften my heart O, God, that I may trust the direction you lay before me.

Question for reflection: It can be hard to change our plans –especially after we have so carefully plotted out our route and packed for the journey. Especially when explaining the reasons for the change has to do with the “still, small voice” of God – the warning that comes as dream, not as a burning bush. Have you ever had to change your plans based on a call or feeling that you knew was divinely inspired, but could not explain in the moment? What did you learn on the other road? Where did it lead you?

~ Gimbiya Kettering, Intercultural Ministries Coordinator

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotionalwritten by Tim Harvey, pastor of Central Church of the Brethren (Available from Brethren Pressin print and E-Book formats). Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Tim’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Prayer for the day: Accompanying, wise God, prepare me for the journey that the days, weeks, and months ahead will bring. Please use the gifts and talents that You have given me to serve and bless others in the upcoming year.

Question for reflection: The transition from the old year to the new year is a time for reflection on our life’s journey. Considering 2013, which of your gifts and talents did you offer to God, your community, and the wider world? As you look ahead to 2014 and prepare for a new leg in the journey, what do you want to bring along with you? Are there skills or gifts that you are feeling a need to develop or focus on in the new year?

~ Gimbiya Kettering, Intercultural Ministries Coordinator

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotionalwritten by Tim Harvey, pastor of Central Church of the Brethren (Available from Brethren Pressin print and E-Book formats). Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Tim’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Prayer for the day: Thank you, God, for all we have and all we are. May we be fully attuned to you, responding in faithfulness to your reconciling love. Amen.

Question for reflection: What gifts have you offered to Jesus in response to his presence in your life?

~ Stan Dueck, Director for Transforming Practices

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotionalwritten by Tim Harvey, pastor of Central Church of the Brethren (Available from Brethren Pressin print and E-Book formats). Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Tim’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Prayer for the day: O Jesus, light of the world. In you, God broke the hold of darkness on the world of the principalities and powers. The child brought near the salvation of God, and our hearts flowed with joy and thanksgiving. Amen.

Question for reflection: What experiences have filled you with joy and gratitude? How did you see God in those moments?

~ Stan Dueck, Director for Transforming Practices

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotionalwritten by Tim Harvey, pastor of Central Church of the Brethren (Available from Brethren Pressin print and E-Book formats). Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Tim’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Prayer for the day: We gather to greet Jesus, the child of peace. O God, you welcome us when no one else offered a place to us. Free our voices to praise you. May our hearts be renewed to living the good news. Amen.

Question for reflection: What do you know about Jesus, and what are you doing with what you know?

~ Stan Dueck, Director for Transforming Practices

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotionalwritten by Tim Harvey, pastor of Central Church of the Brethren (Available from Brethren Pressin print and E-Book formats). Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Tim’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Prayer for the day: God of glory, you meet us in unexpected places just as you encountered the shepherds. O God, may the prompting of your spirit move us to praise you so that others discover the new life you offer. Amen.

Question for reflection: Note that the shepherds left glorifying and praising God (verse 20). Is there anything in your life or experience right now for which you can praise God? Is there anything you are thankful for?

~ Stan Dueck, Director for Transforming Practices

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotionalwritten by Tim Harvey, pastor of Central Church of the Brethren (Available from Brethren Pressin print and E-Book formats). Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Tim’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Prayer for the day: The heavens and the earth rejoice. Thank you, God, for the glad tidings you bring through Mary and Joseph. May our celebration of the child, Jesus, awaken in us the good news, and proclaim, “Glory to God in the Highest, and peace be with you.” Amen.

Question for reflection: How do you, or do you want to, live your life in response to the gospel?

~ Stan Dueck, Director for Transforming Practices

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotionalwritten by Tim Harvey, pastor of Central Church of the Brethren (Available from Brethren Pressin print and E-Book formats). Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Tim’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Prayer for the day: Lord, you came to a family who was welcomed into a home when there was no room. On this day when we celebrate the gift of salvation in the miracle of life, open our eyes to those around us seeking welcome. May our homes and our churches be places of refuge and rest. May our embrace be one that reflects your love made tangible in the welcome of a child. Amen

Question for reflection: Who do you need to make room for today?

~ Josh Brockway, Director for Spiritual Life and Discipleship

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotionalwritten by Tim Harvey, pastor of Central Church of the Brethren (Available from Brethren Pressin print and E-Book formats). Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Tim’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Prayer for the day: God, we have domesticated you. In Jesus you came into the uncertainties of a young family, far from home, alone in a stable. We overlook that you came to an unwed mother, in the midst of an occupied people. Instead, we gather in comfortable homes and churches singing comforting songs all the while forgetting the cold night of Jesus’ birth. Help us, we pray, to recover the challenge of the incarnation. Help us recall that faithfulness was the measure for choosing Mary and Joseph, and not comfort in their current way of life. Amen

Question for reflection: Do you still affirm the vows of your baptism? Are you at peace with those around you? What must you do to reclaim those vows and to live at peace with others? How does Jesus Christ challenge you beyond the comforts of your life to grow in faithfulness?

~ Josh Brockway, Director for Spiritual Life and Discipleship

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotionalwritten by Tim Harvey, pastor of Central Church of the Brethren (Available from Brethren Pressin print and E-Book formats). Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Tim’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Prayer for the day: Lord of peace, we too often confuse your kingdom with the ways of coercion and force. Along with the generations who have awaited your reign, we confess that our imaginations fail us and we assume that you will come in the might of violence rather than the embrace of love. Forgive us for misunderstanding the nature of your kingdom and help us to see the way of Jesus as the way of peace. Amen

Question for reflection: Many Brethren wrestle with our testimony to peace and the nonviolent kingdom of God. How do you witness to the peace of Christ? What do you believe is the Christian response to war and nationalism?

~ Josh Brockway, Director for Spiritual Life and Discipleship

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotionalwritten by Tim Harvey, pastor of Central Church of the Brethren (Available from Brethren Pressin print and E-Book formats). Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Tim’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.